Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Sources in the Air of Izmir, Turkey

Abstract

Air samples were collected in Izmir, Turkey at two (suburban and urban) sites during three sampling programs in 2002 and 2004 to determine the ambient concentrations of several monoaromatic, chlorinated and oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Samples were analyzed for 60 VOCs using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 28 compounds were detected in most samples. On the average, urban air VOC concentrations were about four times higher than those measured at the suburban site. Toluene (40.6%) was the most abundant compound in suburban site and was followed by benzene (7.4%), o,m-xylene (6.5%), and 1,2-dichloroethane (5.1%). In urban site, toluene (30.5%), p-xylene (14.9%), o,m-xylene (11.4%), and ethyl benzene (7.2%) were the dominating compounds in summer. In winter, toluene (31.1%), benzene (23.9%), 1,2-dichloroethane (9.5%), and o,m-xylene (8.2%) were the most abundant compounds. Receptor modeling (positive matrix factorization) has been performed to estimate the contribution of specific source types to ambient concentrations. Six source factors (gasoline vehicle exhaust, diesel vehicle exhaust+residential heating, paint production/application, degreasing, dry cleaning, and an undefined source) were extracted from the samples collected in the urban site. Three source factors (gasoline vehicle exhaust, diesel vehicle exhaust, and paint production/application) were identified for the suburban site.

Characterization and Sources of Aromatic Hydrocarbons (BTEX) in the Atmosphere of Two Urban Sites Located in Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

“…Benzene and toluene are highly correlated with vehicular emissions; however, toluene has other sources such as solvent usage, whereas benzene-due to its toxic nature-is not commonly used in solvent formulations. Therefore, a low toluene/benzene ratio (<2) indicates a strong influence of vehicular emissions on BTEX concentrations at a given site [36][37][38], while values greater than two may indicate that BTEX levels are associated with sources beyond vehicular traffic such as industrial facilities and regional sources. Average toluene/benzene ratios in this study (Table 6) indicate that the contribution of vehicle sources to measured BTEX levels at both sites was important.…”

Measurements of benzene and formaldehyde in a medium sized urban environment. Indoor/outdoor health risk implications on special population groups

“…There is adequate literature in monitoring benzene and formaldehyde concentrations in ambient/indoor air (Na et al 2001;Elbir et al 2007) as much as personal exposure (Edwards et al 2001;Balleta et al 2006). …”

Benzene and 1, 3 Butadiene Concentration and Its Potential Health Impact in Chiang Mai, Thailand

“…VOCs are major urban air pollutants, many are known carcinogens, mutagens, or are suspected to cause serious health problems (Kampa and Castanas, 2008). Large amounts of VOCs are emitted from mobile and stationary sources (Elbir, Cetin, Cetin, Bayram, & Odabasi, 2007). Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products.…”